The Lowest Rung Voices of Australian Poverty [Hardcover]

This 2003 book examines the impact of economic rationalism on members of the poorest parts of Australian society.The Lowest Rung is a fascinating, impressively original and profoundly moving account of the impact of economic rationalism on members of the poorest parts of Australian society. It is beautifully written and compassionate in approach, with the author frequently standing aside to let those most harshly effected by poverty tell their own stories. It is largely based on interviews with around 250 people living and working in areas that are commonly described as among the most disadvantaged in the country.The Lowest Rung is a fascinating, impressively original and profoundly moving account of the impact of economic rationalism on members of the poorest parts of Australian society. It is beautifully written and compassionate in approach, with the author frequently standing aside to let those most harshly effected by poverty tell their own stories. It is largely based on interviews with around 250 people living and working in areas that are commonly described as among the most disadvantaged in the country.This original account of the impact of growing economic inequality upon the poorest segments of Australian society lets those most harshly affected by poverty reveal their fears, hopes and dilemmas. It is largely based on the author's conversations with hundreds of individuals living in three areas commonly described as disadvantaged in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.Introduction: journeys; 1. Describing disadvantage; 2. Heroes; 3. Suffering; 4. Anger; 5. Loss; 6. Hope; Conclusion.'Peel provides a welcome contrast to the drier statistical debates over poverty lines and relative poverty. He succeeds in taking us through a range of emotions that the experience of disadvantage generates.' Dr Alastair Greig, Australian National University'This is an important and refreshing approach to poverty in Australia. It offers a new and lively perspective on l£,